New Jersey homeowner suspects neighbor trimmed their special family tree without permission: 'I am 99% sure'

Author image for Remy Millisky
Remy Millisky • Writer and Editor
Mar 24, 2026 11:00 AM EDT

This guy had no idea that the tree he casually trimmed was actually very special 

Does it bother you if your neighbor's tree branches stretch into your yard? I admit, I had never considered this before, because why would that bother someone? Most of the time, the branches are high in the air, not blocking any views. And if they are in the way, you can't just break out the chainsaw and start shredding it to bits. That's just not how anything works!

But for this neighbor, that was the solution he chose. Well… this person isn't 100% sure who cut down a huge peice of their family's tree, but they're "99% sure." 

It's an odd tale, but luckily for them, people had some great thoughts to share, as well as potential options as they figure out what to do next. 

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  • As this person tells it, their neighbor randomly decided to cut down their tree. As you can see from the photos they included, the tree really wasn't even that big! 

    That's because this family planted the tree to celebrate the birth of their daughter. What a beautiful way to commemorate a new addition to your home! It must be very rewarding to watch the tree grow… well, except now it may not recover from the neighbor's choice. 

    It's hard to fathom why he would do this (if it was him!). Maybe he didn't like that the branches blocked his view or something… but the tree is still quite small, so that doesn't even make much sense. 

    After reading this, you might have more questions than before you started! I hope this parent provides an update telling us who really did cut down the tree, and why, and what they'll do next. 

  • Mom and daughter sit in special family tree together.
    via Yevhenii Deshko

    Mom and daughter sit in special family tree together.

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • Neighbor cut my tree

    Hey r/treelaw, I am in need of help or to be pointed to the right people.
    via snakegirl210
  • Someone cut my tree in my backyard. It was not going over the fence, my husband cuts any branches that grow over the fence.
    via snakegirl210
  • I am 99% sure it was my back neighbor as he has complained about the tree before (it apparently "blocks his view").
    via snakegirl210
  • Pictures 1-4 were taken Sunday night after I looked out my window and saw the tree down.
    via snakegirl210
  • The rest were taken the next day to show where the tree is in relation to the fence, his house, and the "view".
    via snakegirl210

  • Poor tree!

    Cheezburger Image 10617978368
    via snakegirl210
  • Cheezburger Image 10617978880
    via snakegirl210

  • So that's a big difference

    Cheezburger Image 10617978112
    via snakegirl210

    Just look at the portion of the tree next to it — you can see how tall it used to be. 

  • Cheezburger Image 10617978624
    via snakegirl210
  • Today we had a licensed tree expert come out to file a report that the tree was cut, most like a chainsaw the guy said, and that it was cut from over the fence.
    via snakegirl210
  • I have time stamped video that shows my daughter in the backyard at 3:50pm and then us going into the backyard at 8pm.
    via snakegirl210

  • Hmm... mysterious

    The camera only records when it is triggered by someone walking into the backyard on the concrete.
    via snakegirl210
  • Movement near the fence doesn't trigger the camera so I don't have video of the tree being cut.
    via snakegirl210
  • We planted that tree when my daughter was baby, after moving here so she can grow up with the tree so all of us are very sad.
    via snakegirl210
  • The tree company quoted us $700 to remove the tree and grind the stump or we could have them cut down the part that fell ($500) and try to see of the tree will survive.
    via snakegirl210
  • I am now planning to plant a Northern Red Oak in the middle of backyard. Can I sue him for damages, tree removal, and the cost of replacing the tree?
    via snakegirl210
  • I live in Union County, NJ
    via snakegirl210
  • Tipitina62 Please pay attention to all the really good advice here. Personally, I am petty enough to suggest that in addition to using every legal remedy at your disposal you buy some sun shades which you can string up in your yard for privacy and, well, shade.
    via Tipitina62
  • snakegirl210 Original Poster's Reply Planning on planting a Red Oak in the middle of my backyard. Fast growing, huge tree, will block his "view" Also acorns and leaves falling in autumn sounds nice
    via snakegirl210
  • scentofcitrus Record your interaction if you run into him while outside or speak on the phone. NJ is a single consent state so you don't need to notify him that you're recording. Definitely ask neighbors for video footage. Make note of who has cameras (including the suspected cutter). File a police report with whatever information you have.
    via scentofcitrus

  • Whoa!

    snakegirl210 Original Poster's Reply After three attempts, it appears he is avoiding me by not coming to the door lol
    via snakegirl210

    Now this is getting interesting. That makes it seem like he knows he made a huge mistake! 

    Honestly, that tree looks so large while it's laying on the ground. I wonder if he started cutting without realizing exactly how noticeable his little trimming project was. 

  • This person had a great point! Where is the sawdust?

    AdDapper4427 Not sure I can agree with reaching over the fence. The angle of the cut is not steep enough for reaching over that distance and possibly even using the chainsaw one handed. Where is the sawdust? That might help pinpoint the direction the saw was working.
    via AdDapper4427
  • snakegirl210 Original Poster's Reply Saw dust is mostly behind and to the side of the tree. The guy who looked at it said that the saw actually hit the trunk that is still standing and showed us the nick
    via snakegirl210
  • Tweeks Turbos Can you prove who cut the tree?
    via Tweeks Turbos

  • The fact that the cameras didn't capture anything doesn't bode well, does it?

    snakegirl210 Original Poster's Reply Not yet. I am going to ask the back neighbor if someone was wrong, why he felt he needed to cut the tree and see what he says
    via snakegirl210

    Maybe if other neighbors can offer their own footage, that would resolve some of this uncertainty. 

  • mikeyj198 unless you have proof it was the neighbor i don't see a path to restitution. maybe text him and ask why he cut your tree down and see if he takes the bat. fwiw that tree could be removed with hand tools in a matter of 30 minutes, stump could've dug out and might take another 30-45 minutes. Two that tree company to pound sand.
    via mikeyj198
  • Mom and daughter stand alongside their family tree.
    via Yevhenii Deshko

    Mom and daughter stand alongside their family tree.

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

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